Hacklebarney Woods County Park in southwest Iowa features a dedicated equestrian campground with corrals for horses. Located near Villisca, approximately 25 miles southeast of Atlantic, this county park provides thirty-amp electric hookups, water access, and accommodations for both horses and riders. The equestrian area is separated from the main campground, offering a quieter experience for those traveling with horses. Three separate campgrounds exist within the park, with one specifically designed for horseback riders. The park maintains clean shower facilities despite its relatively small size.
The secluded setting of Hacklebarney Woods creates an ideal environment for trail riding through the rolling Iowa countryside. Riders can access multiple hiking and bridle trails directly from the horse campground, though signage at the entrance can be easy to miss when approaching. The main entrance is located about 300 yards past the equestrian campground entrance. While the park offers limited amenities compared to larger state facilities, its quiet atmosphere and dedicated horse facilities make it a reliable choice for weekend horse camping near Atlantic. The campground provides adequate space for horse trailer parking and basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and pet-friendly policies, though advance planning is recommended as the facility is not reservable.
"This lake has multiple campgrounds spread throughout. It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July."
"One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!"
"Hacklebarney is very close to home so it makes for a great quick camping trip destination. Has surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park."
"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
GuideA quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.
ScoutDo not pay Dyrt to use this campground. They are not affiliated.
TravelerThis campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.
Scouta great place
GuideThis is a very clean, lovely camp ground. The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors. It’s busy in summer, but well kept. They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly (my mom kept pointing out, in awe, that it was “practically hourly”) which was great for tent camping with a large group! It’s quiet, beautiful lake, great boating, great swim spot, fun park for kids. Beautiful trees and hiking especially in the fall.
LegendBeen coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa. The fishing has always been good here. But this camp area is not much at all. The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. There is a new visitor center right by the entrance of the camping area. There also a really small pond by the entrance as well. This place would probably work for a over night stay, but not a destination. But I still love the areas wildlife, and the lake. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia for me.
LegendI will first off stay I have not been to a lot of Iowa parks. But I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them. They have concessions, boat rentals, boating of all types, fishing, and trails. There are very nice picnic areas, and the bathrooms or restroom facilities are clean. This place is fantastic and offers a lot to anyone. So give it a try.
GuideThree separate campgrounds one even for horseback with corrals. Very secluded but nice.
Hacklebarney Woods County Park provides options for equestrian campers approximately 25 miles southeast of Atlantic, Iowa. The park contains three separate camping areas with one designated for horses, offering 30-amp electric hookups and water access. Equestrian visitors access multiple hiking and bridle trails directly from the campground, though the entrance can be difficult to spot when approaching. Travelers should note the main entrance is located about 300 yards past the equestrian campground entrance.
Trail exploration: Hacklebarney Woods offers multiple hiking options for visitors seeking outdoor recreation. At Lake Icaria County Park, campers appreciate the trail systems, with one visitor noting, "Love the trails" while giving the park a five-star rating. This location provides additional recreational opportunities beyond hiking.
Fishing opportunities: The region's lakes and ponds support various fishing activities. At Pony Creek County Park, one visitor mentioned, "The fishing has always been good here. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa." Though Pony Creek's camping area is limited, the lake itself remains a draw for anglers.
Boating access: Lake Icaria stands out as a premier boating destination among the horse campgrounds near Atlantic, Iowa. A reviewer explains, "It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July." The lake offers boat rentals and multiple water access points.
Spacious sites: Lake Icaria County Park provides generous camping spots that visitors frequently praise. According to one camper, "The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors." The park becomes particularly peaceful during off-peak seasons while maintaining quality facilities.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in Montgomery County maintain above-average bathroom facilities. A visitor to Hacklebarney Woods noted it "Has surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park," highlighting unexpected amenities at smaller equestrian camping facilities near Atlantic, Iowa.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Lake Icaria offers activities suitable for all ages. A reviewer shares, "Very nice place. Full hook up spots were very nice. Easy to get into, plenty of space, fire pit, picnic table, friendly & helpful park officers, lots of activities (hiking, boating, boat rentals, beach, bait shop)." This diversity of options makes it appropriate for family camping trips.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Icaria experiences significant variation in visitor numbers throughout the year. A camper notes, "We went the weekend after Memorial Day & there were plenty of spots. Quiet & family friendly." Planning visits during shoulder seasons can provide a more peaceful experience at equestrian facilities and traditional campgrounds alike.
Limited amenities at some parks: Smaller county parks may offer fewer facilities than state-operated alternatives. At Nodaway Valley County Park, a reviewer cautions, "The bath house is located at the far end so if you are on the lower circle or at the end it can be a walk. It isn't fancy by any means- a single sink, toilet, and shower in the same room- one for each sex." Visitors should adjust expectations accordingly.
Water quality concerns: Some lakes in the region experience seasonal algae issues. A Lake Icaria visitor mentioned, "Beach needs some work and algae in the water but otherwise I'd go again." Checking current conditions before planning water activities is advisable.
Playground access: When camping with children, consider locations with play equipment. Nodaway Valley Park provides options though one visitor notes, "The playground is outdated but there is a large area where kids can play soccer or tag and while the equipment is old it is not in bad shape." Bringing additional yard games is recommended.
Beach activities: Lake Icaria offers swimming opportunities popular with families. A camper shares, "It's quiet, beautiful lake, great boating, great swim spot, fun park for kids. Beautiful trees and hiking especially in the fall." The combination of water and land activities keeps children engaged throughout their stay.
Picnic facilities: Multiple parks in the region maintain dedicated picnic areas for day use or camper enjoyment. At Nodaway Valley, "There are several different picnic areas and a second bathroom away from the campgrounds," making it suitable for family gatherings even when not staying overnight.
Hookup availability: Lake Icaria provides comprehensive services for recreational vehicles. A visitor remarked, "love the full hook ups and spot availability! well kept bathroom is a plus." These facilities allow for extended stays with all the comforts of modern camping.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging site access. At Pony Creek, a reviewer cautioned, "The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake." RVers with larger units should research site dimensions before booking at smaller county parks near Atlantic.
Dump station locations: Nodaway Valley accommodates departing RVers with convenient waste disposal options. According to one camper, "There is a dump station centrally located that you can easily pull up to on your way out." Knowing these facilities exist helps with trip planning, particularly for longer stays at equestrian campgrounds around Atlantic, Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Atlantic, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Atlantic, IA is Lake Icaria Co Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Atlantic, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Atlantic, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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